US10035720B2 - Sludge condensing machine - Google Patents

Sludge condensing machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US10035720B2
US10035720B2 US14/472,597 US201414472597A US10035720B2 US 10035720 B2 US10035720 B2 US 10035720B2 US 201414472597 A US201414472597 A US 201414472597A US 10035720 B2 US10035720 B2 US 10035720B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
sludge
screw
movement mechanism
filtration body
conveying direction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US14/472,597
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20140367320A1 (en
Inventor
Yoshiyuki Sugawara
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Metawater Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Metawater Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Metawater Co Ltd filed Critical Metawater Co Ltd
Assigned to METAWATER CO., LTD. reassignment METAWATER CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SUGAWARA, YOSHIYUKI
Publication of US20140367320A1 publication Critical patent/US20140367320A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US10035720B2 publication Critical patent/US10035720B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F11/00Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor
    • C02F11/12Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening
    • C02F11/121Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening by mechanical de-watering
    • C02F11/123Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening by mechanical de-watering using belt or band filters
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D33/00Filters with filtering elements which move during the filtering operation
    • B01D33/04Filters with filtering elements which move during the filtering operation with filtering bands or the like supported on cylinders which are impervious for filtering
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D33/00Filters with filtering elements which move during the filtering operation
    • B01D33/58Handling the filter cake in the filter for purposes other than for regenerating the filter cake remaining on the filtering element
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01DSEPARATION
    • B01D33/00Filters with filtering elements which move during the filtering operation
    • B01D33/58Handling the filter cake in the filter for purposes other than for regenerating the filter cake remaining on the filtering element
    • B01D33/62Handling the filter cake in the filter for purposes other than for regenerating the filter cake remaining on the filtering element for drying
    • B01D33/64Handling the filter cake in the filter for purposes other than for regenerating the filter cake remaining on the filtering element for drying by compression
    • B01D33/648Handling the filter cake in the filter for purposes other than for regenerating the filter cake remaining on the filtering element for drying by compression by screws
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30PRESSES
    • B30BPRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B9/00Presses specially adapted for particular purposes
    • B30B9/02Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material, e.g. juice from fruits, oil from oil-containing material
    • B30B9/12Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material, e.g. juice from fruits, oil from oil-containing material using pressing worms or screws co-operating with a permeable casing
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/001Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/52Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F11/00Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor
    • C02F11/12Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening
    • C02F11/121Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening by mechanical de-watering
    • C02F11/125Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening by mechanical de-watering using screw filters
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F11/00Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor
    • C02F11/12Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening
    • C02F11/14Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening with addition of chemical agents
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F11/00Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor
    • C02F11/12Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening
    • C02F11/14Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening with addition of chemical agents
    • C02F11/143Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening with addition of chemical agents using inorganic substances
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F11/00Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor
    • C02F11/12Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening
    • C02F11/14Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening with addition of chemical agents
    • C02F11/147Treatment of sludge; Devices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening with addition of chemical agents using organic substances
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02FTREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/002Construction details of the apparatus
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02WCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W10/00Technologies for wastewater treatment
    • Y02W10/20Sludge processing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sludge condensing machine including a gravity filtration section conducting a gravity filtering while conveying a sludge on an upper surface of a filtration body.
  • a sludge condensing machine has been made use of, which concentrates a sludge such as a sewage or industrial wastewater etc. to be treated, by subjecting the sludge to a gravity filtering to reduce a water content contained in the sludge while conveying the sludge on an upper surface of an endless filtration cloth belt turning around.
  • a sludge condensing machine is usually used for improving an efficiency of a digestion tank or a dehydrator at a rear stage thereof by concentrating the sludge to a condensation concentration of 4 to 5%, there is a problem of a low dehydration efficiency and a slow filtration rate by merely conducting a gravity filtering of the sludge on the filtration body such as a filtration cloth belt etc.
  • Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2000-93712 discloses a configuration in which a V-shaped sludge divider and a resisting member reducing a flowing speed and a thickness of a sludge on an upper portion of a gravity filtration section of a belt press dehydrator in an attempt to improve a dehydration efficiency and drainage of the filtration cloth.
  • a sludge condensing machine includes: a gravity filtration section conducting a gravity filtering to a sludge while conveying the sludge on an upper surface of a filtration body; and
  • a movement mechanism disposed at a downstream side of a sludge insertion position of the gravity filtration section, for reducing a dimension of the sludge in a width direction on the filtration body by moving the sludge in a direction intersecting a conveying direction that the sludge is conveyed by the filtration body.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a sludge condensing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the sludge condensing machine illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a sludge condensing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a sludge condensing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a sludge condensing machine according to a modification of the sludge condensing machine illustrated in FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a sludge condensing machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • a sludge condensing machine attempts to improve its dehydration efficiency by providing an obstacle on the filtration body of the gravity filtration section to separate the sludge being conveyed, it is difficult to improve the efficiency of concentrating the sludge to a great extent by providing a mere obstacle on the filtration body. It is preferable that a sludge condensing machine is capable of concentrating a sludge to a higher concentration for improving a dehydration efficiency of a digestion tank or a dehydrator provided at a rear stage of the sludge condensing machine.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a sludge condensing machine 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the sludge condensing machine 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 according to the present embodiment is a device which conducts a gravity filtering while conveying a sludge (for example, sewage sludge) on an upper surface of an endlessly configured filtration body 12 and feeds the concentrated sludge.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 can be used not only as a concentrating apparatus but also as a dehydrator.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 is configured to include a gravity filtration section 14 conducting a gravity filtering (gravity concentration) of a sludge on an upper surface 12 a of the filtration body 12 travelling as a non-end track (endless track).
  • a movement mechanism 16 moving the sludge in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction by the filtration body 12 is provided at a downstream side of a sludge introduction position A of the gravity filtration section 14 .
  • the gravity filtration section 14 is configured by an upper surface (outer periphery) 12 a of the endless filtration body 12 wound to a plurality of rollers (roll) 18 a and 18 b and driven to be circled in one direction.
  • the gravity filtration section 14 is a means of filtering and separating a water content contained in a sludge by gravity when the sludge is disposed on the upper surface 12 a of the filtration body 12 stretched between the rollers 18 a and 18 b.
  • the filtration body 12 is configured by, for example, an elongated and belt-shaped filtration cloth belt having a water permeability or an elongated and belt-shaped metal screen etc. in which a plurality of net-like micro pore potions are formed.
  • the filtration body 12 is wound on each of the rollers 18 a and 18 b with a sufficient tension and is capable of travelling, by a driving power source such as a motor etc. not illustrated in the drawings, in a direction indicated by an arrow illustrated in FIG. 1 (i.e., a counter clockwise direction in FIG. 1 ).
  • the conveying direction of the sludge is indicated by a direction from a right side (upstream side) to a left side (downstream side).
  • a plurality of (six in the present embodiment) bars 22 are disposed to stand on the upper surface 12 a of the filtration body 12 constituting the gravity filtration section 14 .
  • the bars 22 are obstacles making contact with the sludge conveyed on the filtration body 12 to disperse the sludge and promote drainage thereof.
  • the bars 22 may be modified in position to be installed, quantity, or shape to be formed.
  • the movement mechanism 16 provided at the downstream side of such gravity filtration section 14 is an apparatus of enhancing the concentration of a sludge by reducing the width direction of the sludge conveyed on the filtration body 12 and simultaneously consolidating the sludge by increasing the sludge in height to improve its filtration efficiency.
  • the movement mechanism (screw conveyor) 16 has an opening toward the entire upstream side of the upper surface 12 a of the filtration body 12 to be capable of receive the sludge.
  • the movement mechanism 16 includes a pair of screws 24 a and 24 b moving the sludge in a direction intersecting the convey direction by the filtration body 12 (in the perpendicular direction in FIG. 2 ) and a pair of guide plates 26 a and 26 b disposed in proximity to the downstream sides of the screws 24 a and 24 b and standing at both sides in the width direction of the filtration body 12 .
  • a gap G between the guide plates 26 a and 26 b (substantially the same as a gap between the screws 24 a and 24 b ) serves as a path through which the sludge is discharged from the movement mechanism 16 to the downstream side.
  • the screws 24 a and 24 b include a screw shaft 28 and screw blades 30 a and 30 b .
  • the screw shaft 28 extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sludge by the filtration body 12 and crossing over the width direction of the filtration body 12 .
  • the screw blades 30 a and 30 b are provided spirally on two sides of outer peripheries of the screw shaft 28 but not provided in a proximity of a central portion of the screw shaft 28 .
  • Two side portions of the screw shaft 28 are axially supported, by bearings not illustrated in the drawings, at positions outside in the width direction of the filtration body 12 , and is capable of rotating along with the travelling filtration body 12 being driven by, for example, linking the rollers 18 a and 18 b , on which the filtration body 12 is wound, and the screw shaft 28 by a flexible power transmission member such as a chain or a belt etc. (see a chain double-dashed line in FIG. 1 ).
  • a setting and a control of the relationship between a convey speed of the sludge by the filtration body 12 and a rotation speed of the screw shaft 28 are facilitated by appropriately designing a diameter of each shaft on which the flexible power transmission member is wound or providing a speed reducing unit etc. not illustrated in the drawings allow.
  • a driving power source such as a motor etc. independently driving and rotating the screw shaft 28 may be provided.
  • the top ends of the screw blades 30 a and 30 b of the respective screws 24 a and 24 b face each other with a gap which is similar to gap G at positions in proximity to the lateral sides in the width direction of the filtration body 12 .
  • the screw blades 30 a and 30 b are provided on outer peripheries of the screw shaft 28 .
  • the directions of spirals of the respective screw blades 30 a and 30 b are symmetric (opposite) with respect to a center line of the filtration body 12 , and the directions in which the sludges are moved by the screws 24 a and 24 b respectively are set opposite to each other.
  • each of the screws 24 a and 24 b moves the sludges from outsides to inside (center) in the width direction of the filtration body 12 , and thus the sludges moved from the outsides are pressed against each other to be consolidated in a center portion at which their top ends are separated with the gap described above.
  • a configuration using screw shafts separately may be used instead of the configuration in which both the screws 24 a and 24 b share the screw shaft 28 .
  • a plurality of paddles 33 (three pieces in FIG. 2 ) discharging a sludge conveyed at a center side in the width direction of the filtration body 12 and a sludge consolidated at a center by a pair of the screws 24 a and 24 b to a downstream side smoothly.
  • the paddles 33 are, for example, several impellers as a set provided on the outer periphery of the screw shaft 28 along a circumference direction.
  • the guide plates 26 a and 26 b have wall portions 34 and bottom portions 36 .
  • the wall portions 34 stand at positions in proximity with the screws 24 a and 24 b at downstream sides of the screws 24 a and 24 b .
  • the bottom portions 36 are formed by bending lower ends of the wall portions 34 to protrude toward their upstream sides in the conveying direction of the sludge by the filtration body 12 to cover approximate halves of the screws 24 a and 24 b below the screws 24 a and 24 b .
  • Provided at center sides' ends of the respective guide plates 26 a and 26 b are a pair of passage plates 38 a and 38 b extending to downstream sides along the convey direction of the sludge conveyed by the filtration body 12 .
  • the wall portions 34 are plate members of which heights are set to be approximately the same as those of the screws 24 a and 24 b .
  • the heights of the wall portions 34 can be varied appropriately.
  • the bottom portions 36 are plate members formed to protrude from lower ends of the wall portions 34 toward an upstream side in the convey direction until reaching a position of approximate centers of the screws 24 a and 24 b , and the lengths of the bottom portions 36 can be varied appropriately.
  • the bottom portions 36 protrude to the upstream sides too long, it is difficult to press the sludges to the screws 24 a and 24 b by the filtration body 12 , and it turns out that the sludges are difficult to be fed into the screws 24 a and 24 b .
  • the lengths of the bottom portions 36 it is preferable to set the lengths of the bottom portions 36 to a degree that bottom surfaces of the screws 24 a and 24 b can be exposed partly to the filtration body 12 .
  • a screen etc. in which many micro pore potions are formed may be used for the wall portions 34 and the bottom portions 36 constituting the guide plates 26 a and 26 b.
  • the present embodiment exemplifies the configuration in which the screws 24 a and 24 b and the guide plates 26 a and 26 b are installed to move the sludges in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sludge by the filtration body 12
  • the screws 24 a and 24 b and the guide plates 26 a and 26 b may only have to be installed in a direction so that the sludge can be moved in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sludge at a predetermined angle. This is applicable to a dispersion mechanism 50 and a movement mechanism 80 , which will be explained later.
  • a combination of the screw 24 a and the guide plate 26 a and a combination of the screw 24 b and the guide plate 26 b may be installed at an angle relative to the conveying direction of the sludge to form a V-letter shape or an inverted V-letter shape.
  • screw shafts may be provided to the screws 24 a and 24 b respectively and independently.
  • the screw shafts may be linked by a bevel gear etc.
  • the two passage plates 38 a and 38 b are disposed to stand and face with each other with a gap of which width is the same as that of the gap G formed between the screw blades 30 a and 30 b or between the guide plates 26 a and 26 b .
  • the passage plates 38 a and 38 b form a path through which the sludge consolidated by the screws 24 a and 24 b in the vicinity of the center of the filtration body 12 is discharged to a downstream side smoothly.
  • the passage plates 38 a and 38 b are set at heights that are approximately the same as that of the wall portion 34 .
  • the sludge consolidated by the screws 24 a and 24 b at the center is conveyed from the gap G between the pair of guide plates 26 a and 26 b (wall portion 34 ) to a downstream side by the travelling filtration body 12 .
  • the passage plates 38 a and 38 b may be omitted, if the passage plates 38 a and 38 b are provided, the sludge consolidated at the center and increased in height can be conveyed to the downstream side more smoothly.
  • a chemical-feeding facility 40 may be disposed at an upstream side of the movement mechanism 16 in the gravity filtration section 14 for spraying a chemical such as an iron-based inorganic flocculant etc. to the sludge being conveyed.
  • the chemical-feeding facility 40 includes a first tubular path 42 , a second tubular path 44 , and a liquid-feeding pump 48 .
  • the first tubular path 42 includes a plurality of chemical nozzles 42 a disposed in the width direction of the filtration body 12 entirely in the vicinity of the sludge introduction position A.
  • the second tubular path 44 includes a plurality of chemical nozzles 44 a disposed in the width corresponding to the gap G between the screws 24 a and 24 b at a somewhat upstream side of the movement mechanism 16 .
  • the liquid-feeding pump 48 supplies a chemical, stored in a chemical tank not illustrated in the drawings, under control of a three-way valve 46 being switched to the first tubular path 42 and the second tubular path 44 .
  • the chemical-feeding facility 40 can supply a chemical such as a flocculant etc. to the sludge being conveyed at an upstream side of the movement mechanism 16 consolidating the sludge, the sludge is mixed with the supplied chemical uniformly when the sludge is consolidated by the movement mechanism 16 ; therefore, it is possible to increase a coagulation efficiency by the chemical and improve an efficiency in concentrating the sludge furthermore.
  • the three-way valve 46 is capable of switching between the first tubular path 42 and the second tubular path 44 , there is no doubt that only one of the first tubular path 42 and the second tubular path 44 may be installed. In this case, the number of the chemical nozzles 44 a of the second tubular path 44 may be fewer than those of the first tubular path 42 , there are advantages that the cost therefor may be lower and a flow amount of the chemical may be controlled more easily.
  • the sludge as an object to be treated and to be concentrated by the sludge condensing machine 10 is introduced, in a state in which a predetermined polymer flocculant is supplied to form a floc, from the sludge introduction position A, which is at an upstream side of the upper surface 12 a of the filtration body 12 , to the gravity filtration section 14 .
  • the introduced sludge is subjected to a gravity filtering (gravity dehydration) and arrives at the movement mechanism 16 while being conveyed on the travelling filtration body 12 and being subjected to an act, by the bars 22 , of promoting drainage on the way.
  • a gravity filtering gravitation dehydration
  • the sludges conveyed on two lateral sides in the width direction of the filtration body 12 are caught in each of the rotating screws 24 a and 24 b and move while being guided by the guide plates 26 a and 26 b and being pressed toward the center portion.
  • the sludges moved by the screws 24 a and 24 b are mixed with a sludge conveyed on the center portion (central portion) and not caught by the screws 24 a and 24 b , and simultaneously pressed against with each other to be consolidated at the center portion of the filtration body 12 by extrusion forces exerted by the respective screws 24 a and 24 b .
  • the sludge thus consolidated in a state of being reduced in dimension in the width direction and being increased in height is discharged from the gap G through a path between the passage plates 38 a and 38 b to a downstream side by a rotation force of the paddles 33 , and on this occasion, the sludge continues to be subjected to a gravity filtering by the filtration body 12 to be concentrated to a desirable concentration.
  • the sludge with a dimension of width W 1 being extended in the width direction of the filtration body 12 and with a height h 1 introduced at the sludge introduction position A is reduced to a width W 2 which is narrower than the width W 1 when the sludge is discharged from the movement mechanism 16 , the sludge increases in a height direction to a height h 2 by a surface area reduced in its plan view, thus, the sludge is in a sufficiently consolidated state. Therefore, a condensation concentration of the sludge increases to a greater extent than in a case of being subjected to a mere gravity filtering.
  • the height of the sludge increases at a downstream side of the movement mechanism 16 , its deadweight improves an efficiency of gravity filtering furthermore. Therefore, even if the sludge is sufficiently dehydrated and concentrated until a timepoint that the sludge has been treated by the movement mechanism 16 , it is possible to promote the concentration by the gravity filtering.
  • the sludge is compressed while being moved by the guide plates 26 a and 26 b and by rotation forces of the screw blades 30 a and 30 b when the screws 24 a and 24 b move the sludge to the center portion, the concentration of the sludge increases to a higher degree. In this occasion, a water of the sludge compressed by the screws 24 a and 24 b flows from the wall portion 34 to a bottom portion 36 to be filtrated by the filtration body 12 .
  • a part of the sludge may sometimes go over the wall portions 34 of guide plates 26 a and 26 b at back sides of the screws 24 a and 24 b since all the sludge cannot be smoothly collected to the center portion by the screws 24 a and 24 b , due to circumstances e.g., an amount of the sludge being introduced or a relationship between a conveying speed by the filtration body 12 and a moving speed by the screws 24 a and 24 b etc.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 includes the movement mechanism 16 being disposed at a downstream side of the sludge introduction position A of the gravity filtration section 14 and reducing a dimension of the sludge in the width direction on the filtration body 12 by moving the sludge in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sludge by the filtration body 12 .
  • This causes the sludge being subjected to gravity filtering while being conveyed on the filtration body 12 to be moved in the direction intersecting its convey direction, reduced in dimension in its width direction, increased in its height, and thereby consolidated. It is hereby possible to concentrate the sludge efficiently to increase its condensation concentration and generate, for example, a cake-like sludge with a high condensation concentration.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 is capable of increasing a less than 1% of condensation concentration of sludge prior to a treatment to an approximately 5 to 15% of condensation concentration (approximately 95 to 85% of water content ratio) subsequent to the treatment, it is possible to increase its concentration speed and reduce the configuration of the machine in size by an effect of consolidation by the movement mechanism 16 .
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 can increase a concentration rate, there is an advantage that a dehydration rate of a dehydrator increases at a rear stage.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 adopts a configuration using the screws 24 a and 24 b extending in the direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sludge by the filtration body 12 to move the sludge by means of rotations of the screws 24 a and 24 b as the movement mechanism 16 . This allows the sludge being conveyed by the screws 24 a and 24 b to be compressed, and thereby allowing its condensation concentration to be increased furthermore.
  • the movement mechanism 16 is provided with a pair of the screws 24 a and 24 b , and the screws 24 a and 24 b are disposed to face each other in a state where a gap is provided in the vicinity of the center in the width direction of the filtration body 12 for making the sludge pass to a downstream side.
  • the screws 24 a and 24 b are set in directions so that the sludge is moved to be collected at the gap. Since this causes the sludges to be consolidated while being collected to the center by the screws 24 a and 24 b and being forced to compress with each other, thereby allowing its condensation concentration to be increased furthermore.
  • the wall portions 34 of the guide plates 26 a and 26 b are made to stand at positions in proximity with the screws 24 a and 24 b at a downstream side of the screws 24 a and 24 b in the conveying direction of the sludge. This allows the sludge conveyed on the filtration body 12 to be introduced to, and moved by, the screws 24 a and 24 b more reliably and smoothly by an effect of the guide plates 26 a and 26 b blocking the sludge. Since the sludges moved by the screws 24 a and 24 b are forced to be pressed against the guide plates 26 a and 26 b , it is possible to increase an effect of compression by the screws 24 a and 24 b.
  • a sludge condensing machine 10 a according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained next.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the sludge condensing machine 10 a according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Further, as shown in FIG. 3 , in the sludge condensing machine 10 a according to the second embodiment, two movement mechanisms 16 , 16 ′ are provided. Since the second movement mechanism 16 ′ is the same in structure to the first movement mechanism 16 , the balance of the elements in the respective movement mechanisms 16 , 16 ′ have been depicted with the same reference numerals due to these elements having functions identical with or equivalent to those of the sludge condensing machine 10 according to the above-described first embodiment, thus avoiding a redundant detailed explanation in regards to the reference numerals in each of the movement mechanisms 16 , 16 ′. This is applicable to each of embodiments as follows.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 a is different from the sludge condensing machine 10 according to the above described first embodiment in that a plurality of movement mechanisms 16 , 16 ′ (two in FIG. 3 ) are arranged in series on an upper surface 12 a of the filtration body 12 and a dispersion mechanism (screw conveyor) 50 is provided between the movement mechanisms 16 , 16 ′.
  • the dispersion mechanism 50 includes a pair of screws 56 a and 56 b formed by providing spiral screw blades 54 a and 54 b on an outer periphery of a screw shaft 52 .
  • the screws 56 a and 56 b are provided in the vicinity of the center in the width direction of the filtration body 12 .
  • the directions of spirals of the respective screw blades 54 a and 54 b are symmetric (opposite) with respect to a center line of the filtration body 12 , and the directions in which the sludges are moved by the screws 56 a and 56 b are set opposite to each other (both are directed outward in the width direction of the filtration body 12 ).
  • the screws 56 a and 56 b separate and move the sludge from an inside to outsides respectively in the width direction of the filtration body 12 in the dispersion mechanism 50 . Therefore, the sludges separated and moved are conveyed by the travelling filtration body 12 to a downstream side via two outside portions, at which the screws 56 a and 56 b are not installed, introduced to the following movement mechanism 16 , and moved to a center portion again to be consolidated.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 a includes the dispersion mechanism 50 dispersing the sludge, collected by the movement mechanism 16 , in the width direction of the filtration body 12 , the sludge consolidated previously by the movement mechanism 16 can be dispersed again. Therefore, a further dehydration of the sludge is possible by dispersing again the sludge, of which concentration is promoted by consolidation, and an effect of compression by the screws 56 a and 56 b constituting the dispersion mechanism 50 can be obtained.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 a is capable of consolidating the sludge, dispersed by the dispersion mechanism 50 , again by the movement mechanism 16 at a rear stage, it is possible to increase the condensation concentration of the sludge furthermore.
  • the movement mechanisms 16 and the dispersion mechanisms 50 are arranged alternately, the number of the mechanisms can be modified appropriately, and it may be determined by considering the configuration of a digestion tank etc. at a rear stage as to which one of the movement mechanism 16 and the dispersion mechanism 50 should be disposed at the down most stream side of the gravity filtration section 14 .
  • a sludge condensing machine 10 b according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained next.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the configuration of the sludge condensing machine 10 b according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 b is different from the sludge condensing machine 10 according to the above described first embodiment in that a pressure dehydration unit 60 conducting a pressure dehydration to a sludge is disposed at a downstream side of the movement mechanism 16 provided to the gravity filtration section 14 formed on the upper surface 12 a of the filtration body 12 .
  • the pressure dehydration unit 60 includes a pressure roller 62 pressing to deform the upper surface 12 a of the filtration body 12 downwardly between small-diameter rollers 61 a and 61 b .
  • the pressure dehydration unit 60 is configured as a roller press mechanism causing the sludge discharged from the movement mechanism 16 to be placed, pressed, and dehydrated between the pressure roller 62 and the filtration body 12 .
  • a dehydration capability of the pressure dehydration unit 60 can be improved in the sludge condensing machine 10 b better than in a case where a sludge extending in a width direction and being low in height immediately after being introduced to the sludge introduction position A is pressed and dehydrated. Therefore, a sludge can be furthermore dehydrated to be concentrated than in a configuration provided with the gravity filtration section 14 alone.
  • the pressure dehydration unit provided at a downstream side of the movement mechanism 16 may be configured as other than the pressure dehydration unit 60 adapting the above described roller press mechanism.
  • it may be configured to provide a pressure dehydration unit 70 adapting a belt-press mechanism like the sludge condensing machine 10 c illustrated in FIG. 5 .
  • the pressure dehydration unit 70 includes a filtration body 74 wound between rollers 72 a and 72 b and a filtration body 78 wound between rollers 76 a and 76 b .
  • a filtrate tray 79 is disposed below the pressure dehydration unit 70 .
  • a sludge condensing machine 10 d according to a forth embodiment of the present invention will be explained next.
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the sludge condensing machine 10 d according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 d is different from the sludge condensing machine 10 according to the above described first embodiment in that the sludge condensing machine 10 d includes a movement mechanism (screw conveyor) 80 configured by arranging a plurality of unidirectional screws 24 a (four screws in FIG. 6 ) constituting the movement mechanism 16 along the width direction of the filtration body 12 .
  • a movement mechanism screw conveyor
  • the movement mechanism 80 has a thrust plate 82 standing in a state where a gap G 1 is formed to cause a sludge pressed against the thrust plate 82 to pass between a top end side of each screw 24 a provided on a piece of the screw shaft 81 , i.e., a front side in a direction of the sludge moved by each screw 24 a , and the thrust plate 82 to a downstream side.
  • the sludge condensing machine 10 d when the sludge conveyed on the upper surface 12 a of the filtration body 12 is caught by each rotating screw 24 a , the sludge is moved while being guided by a guide plate 26 a and being pressed to one side (upwardly in FIG. 6 ).
  • the sludge moved by the screw 24 a is mixed with a sludge having been conveyed on a portion, where no screw 24 a is formed (at an upstream side of the gap G 1 ), and not having been caught by the screw 24 a , and simultaneously, the mixed sludge is pressed against the thrust plate 82 by an extruding force of the screw 24 a to be consolidated.
  • the sludge consolidated, reduced in dimension in the width direction, and increased in height is discharged from the gap G 1 to a downstream side through a path between the passage plate 38 a and the thrust plate 82 by a rotating force of the paddle 33 .
  • a gravity filtering by the filtration body 12 continues to concentrate the sludge to a desirable condensation concentration.
  • the thrust plate 82 stops the sludge moved by the screw 24 a in the sludge condensing machine 10 d and serves as a sludge-consolidating-and-compressing plate for promoting its consolidation and compression, it is possible to increase a condensation concentration of the sludge furthermore.
  • merely arranging a plurality of combinations of the screw 24 a and the thrust plate 82 allows an amount of the sludge to be treated to be increased to a great extent, it is particularly effective if an apparatus greater in size is desired for increasing an amount of the sludge to be treated.
  • the number of the combinations of the screw 24 a and the thrust plate 82 can be modified appropriately, e.g., only one combination may be used.
  • elements constituting the sludge condensing machines 10 and 10 a to 10 d respectively according to the above described embodiments may be add or exchanged with each other.
  • the pressure dehydration units 60 or 70 illustrated in FIG. 4 or 5 may be installed at a downstream side of the movement mechanism 16 disposed at a downstream side of the sludge condensing machine 10 a illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • These pressure dehydration units 60 and 70 may be installed at a downstream side of the movement mechanism 80 illustrated in FIG. 6 .
  • the dispersion mechanism 50 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be disposed at a downstream side of the movement mechanism 80 illustrated in FIG. 6 .
  • the configuration adapting the screw conveyor method was exemplified for the movement mechanisms 16 and 80 or the dispersion mechanism 50 for moving the sludge in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sludge by the filtration body 12 in the above described embodiments, it may be a configuration other than the screw conveyor method, e.g., a configuration using a scraper-like movement mechanism.
  • the sludge subjected to the gravity filtering while being conveyed on the filtration body is moved in a direction intersecting its conveying direction to be reduced in dimension in its width direction, and increases its height to be consolidated. Therefore, it is possible to concentrate the sludge efficiently and increase its condensation concentration.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Sludge (AREA)
  • Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
US14/472,597 2012-03-02 2014-08-29 Sludge condensing machine Active 2033-09-01 US10035720B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2012046908A JP5864306B2 (ja) 2012-03-02 2012-03-02 汚泥濃縮機
JP2012-046908 2012-03-02
PCT/JP2013/055224 WO2013129518A1 (fr) 2012-03-02 2013-02-27 Machine de condensation de boues

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2013/055224 Continuation WO2013129518A1 (fr) 2012-03-02 2013-02-27 Machine de condensation de boues

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20140367320A1 US20140367320A1 (en) 2014-12-18
US10035720B2 true US10035720B2 (en) 2018-07-31

Family

ID=49082712

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/472,597 Active 2033-09-01 US10035720B2 (en) 2012-03-02 2014-08-29 Sludge condensing machine

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US10035720B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP2821373B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP5864306B2 (fr)
KR (1) KR101644081B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2013226913B2 (fr)
HK (1) HK1200432A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2013129518A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20210087094A1 (en) * 2019-09-24 2021-03-25 Alfa Laval Corporate Ab Dewatering apparatus, systems, and methods

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6004382B2 (ja) 2012-11-29 2016-10-05 メタウォーター株式会社 汚泥脱水システム
JP6425900B2 (ja) * 2014-03-13 2018-11-21 株式会社神鋼環境ソリューション 汚泥脱水システム、および汚泥の脱水方法
JP6802099B2 (ja) * 2017-03-23 2020-12-16 日本下水道事業団 汚泥濾過装置

Citations (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2048845A (en) 1979-03-20 1980-12-17 Seki T Process for the Preparation of Coal-containing Sludge Pellets Valuable as Fertilizer and Fuel
JPS56105714A (en) 1980-01-23 1981-08-22 Hartley Simon Ltd Concentrating device for sludge
JPS5959229A (ja) 1982-08-30 1984-04-05 Kobe Steel Ltd ベルトプレス型脱水機の制御方法
JPS60146596A (ja) 1984-01-11 1985-08-02 Hitachi Ltd デイジタルインタ−フエ−ス装置
JPS60151696A (ja) 1984-01-19 1985-08-09 日本電気株式会社 表示装置
JPS60191697A (ja) 1984-03-12 1985-09-30 Japan Organo Co Ltd 濾布走行型脱水装置
JPS60151696U (ja) * 1984-03-19 1985-10-08 石垣機工株式会社 ベルトプレス
US4602998A (en) 1985-06-27 1986-07-29 Komline-Sanderson Engineering Corporation Raisable plow assembly
US4609467A (en) 1985-08-07 1986-09-02 Komline-Sanderson Engineering Corporation Rotary plow assembly
JPS6380998A (ja) 1986-09-22 1988-04-11 Ngk Insulators Ltd ベルトプレス型脱水機
JPH0238192A (ja) 1988-07-29 1990-02-07 Hitachi Ltd 管内自走点検装置
GB2233247A (en) 1989-06-21 1991-01-09 Hartley Simon Ltd Moving belt filter
JPH06234099A (ja) 1992-09-14 1994-08-23 Akiba Sangyo Kk ベルトプレス形脱水処理装置
US5560834A (en) * 1995-04-06 1996-10-01 Gold; Dennis D. Machine for dewatering a slurry of ultrafine solids
US5885445A (en) 1996-02-05 1999-03-23 Thames Water Utilities Limited Belt press for dewatering sludge
JP2000093712A (ja) 1998-09-25 2000-04-04 Nihon Hels Industry Corp ベルトプレス型脱水機の脱水能力向上装置
WO2001056681A1 (fr) 2000-02-03 2001-08-09 Salsnes Filter As Dispositif d'epuration pour eaux residuaires
US20050000908A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2005-01-06 Goran Karlsson Method of treating digested sludge
JP2005028296A (ja) 2003-07-07 2005-02-03 Kubota Corp ベルト型濃縮機
JP2005034796A (ja) 2003-07-18 2005-02-10 Kubota Corp ベルト型濃縮機
US20090000752A1 (en) * 2007-06-28 2009-01-01 Buckman Laboratories International, Inc. Use of Cyclodextrins For Odor Control In Papermaking Sludges, and Deodorized Sludge and Products
US20090065448A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2009-03-12 Daniel Schedler Slurry Handling and Separating System
JP2010094637A (ja) 2008-10-20 2010-04-30 Kubota Corp ベルト型濃縮機
US20110132831A1 (en) 2009-12-07 2011-06-09 Flsmidth A/S Horizontal belt vacuum filter with overhead fluid removal
JP2012091129A (ja) 2010-10-28 2012-05-17 Kubota Corp ベルト式ろ過装置
US20150251940A1 (en) * 2012-11-29 2015-09-10 Metawater Co., Ltd. Sludge dewatering system

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS60146596U (ja) * 1984-03-07 1985-09-28 石垣機工株式会社 ベルトプレスにおける重力脱水装置
JPH0238192U (fr) * 1988-09-02 1990-03-14
JP2971684B2 (ja) * 1992-11-04 1999-11-08 株式会社日建設計 軟弱地盤における建物施工方法
JPH06151696A (ja) * 1992-11-09 1994-05-31 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 混成集積回路装置

Patent Citations (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2048845A (en) 1979-03-20 1980-12-17 Seki T Process for the Preparation of Coal-containing Sludge Pellets Valuable as Fertilizer and Fuel
JPS56105714A (en) 1980-01-23 1981-08-22 Hartley Simon Ltd Concentrating device for sludge
US4354935A (en) 1980-01-23 1982-10-19 Simon-Hartley Limited Apparatus for thickening sludge
JPS5959229A (ja) 1982-08-30 1984-04-05 Kobe Steel Ltd ベルトプレス型脱水機の制御方法
JPS60146596A (ja) 1984-01-11 1985-08-02 Hitachi Ltd デイジタルインタ−フエ−ス装置
JPS60151696A (ja) 1984-01-19 1985-08-09 日本電気株式会社 表示装置
JPS60191697A (ja) 1984-03-12 1985-09-30 Japan Organo Co Ltd 濾布走行型脱水装置
JPS60151696U (ja) * 1984-03-19 1985-10-08 石垣機工株式会社 ベルトプレス
US4602998A (en) 1985-06-27 1986-07-29 Komline-Sanderson Engineering Corporation Raisable plow assembly
JPS621418A (ja) 1985-06-27 1987-01-07 コムライン−サンダ−ソン.エンジニアリング.コ−ポレ−シヨン フイルタ装置及びプラウ組立体
US4609467A (en) 1985-08-07 1986-09-02 Komline-Sanderson Engineering Corporation Rotary plow assembly
JPS6233512A (ja) 1985-08-07 1987-02-13 コムライン−サンダ−ソン.エンジニアリング.コ−ポレ−シヨン プラウ組立体及びフイルタ装置
JPS6380998A (ja) 1986-09-22 1988-04-11 Ngk Insulators Ltd ベルトプレス型脱水機
JPH0238192A (ja) 1988-07-29 1990-02-07 Hitachi Ltd 管内自走点検装置
GB2233247A (en) 1989-06-21 1991-01-09 Hartley Simon Ltd Moving belt filter
JPH06234099A (ja) 1992-09-14 1994-08-23 Akiba Sangyo Kk ベルトプレス形脱水処理装置
US5560834A (en) * 1995-04-06 1996-10-01 Gold; Dennis D. Machine for dewatering a slurry of ultrafine solids
US5885445A (en) 1996-02-05 1999-03-23 Thames Water Utilities Limited Belt press for dewatering sludge
JP2000093712A (ja) 1998-09-25 2000-04-04 Nihon Hels Industry Corp ベルトプレス型脱水機の脱水能力向上装置
WO2001056681A1 (fr) 2000-02-03 2001-08-09 Salsnes Filter As Dispositif d'epuration pour eaux residuaires
US20050000908A1 (en) * 2003-04-23 2005-01-06 Goran Karlsson Method of treating digested sludge
JP2005028296A (ja) 2003-07-07 2005-02-03 Kubota Corp ベルト型濃縮機
JP2005034796A (ja) 2003-07-18 2005-02-10 Kubota Corp ベルト型濃縮機
US20090065448A1 (en) * 2007-01-29 2009-03-12 Daniel Schedler Slurry Handling and Separating System
US20090000752A1 (en) * 2007-06-28 2009-01-01 Buckman Laboratories International, Inc. Use of Cyclodextrins For Odor Control In Papermaking Sludges, and Deodorized Sludge and Products
JP2010094637A (ja) 2008-10-20 2010-04-30 Kubota Corp ベルト型濃縮機
US20110132831A1 (en) 2009-12-07 2011-06-09 Flsmidth A/S Horizontal belt vacuum filter with overhead fluid removal
JP2012091129A (ja) 2010-10-28 2012-05-17 Kubota Corp ベルト式ろ過装置
US20150251940A1 (en) * 2012-11-29 2015-09-10 Metawater Co., Ltd. Sludge dewatering system

Non-Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Extended European Search Report (Application No. 13755856.5) dated Nov. 4, 2015.
International Search Report and Written Opinion (With English Translation), International Application No. PCT/JP2013/055224, dated Mar. 26, 2013 (14 pages).
Japanese Decision of a Patent Grant (Application No. 2012-046908) dated Dec. 8, 2015 (with English translation).
JPS60151696U-Applicant Submitted Translation, 2014, 8 pages. *
JPS60151696U—Applicant Submitted Translation, 2014, 8 pages. *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20210087094A1 (en) * 2019-09-24 2021-03-25 Alfa Laval Corporate Ab Dewatering apparatus, systems, and methods
US11084747B2 (en) * 2019-09-24 2021-08-10 Alfa Laval Corporate Ab Dewatering apparatus, systems, and methods

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2013180262A (ja) 2013-09-12
JP5864306B2 (ja) 2016-02-17
KR101644081B1 (ko) 2016-07-29
EP2821373A1 (fr) 2015-01-07
CN104144887A (zh) 2014-11-12
KR20140126730A (ko) 2014-10-31
EP2821373B1 (fr) 2017-02-01
US20140367320A1 (en) 2014-12-18
HK1200432A1 (en) 2015-08-07
AU2013226913B2 (en) 2016-01-14
AU2013226913A1 (en) 2014-09-18
WO2013129518A1 (fr) 2013-09-06
EP2821373A4 (fr) 2015-12-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10035720B2 (en) Sludge condensing machine
JPWO2014084322A1 (ja) 汚泥脱水システム
JP6109587B2 (ja) 汚泥脱水システム
KR101180639B1 (ko) 유동식 스크류 탈수장치
JP6271348B2 (ja) 汚泥脱水システム及び汚泥脱水システムの制御方法
JP2014155892A (ja) 汚泥処理システム
US8672141B2 (en) Solid-liquid separating system
JP6527014B2 (ja) 汚泥脱水乾燥システム
JP6017286B2 (ja) 固液分離装置及び加圧ローラ
JP2009165964A (ja) 汚泥の脱水処理方法及びその脱水処理システム
JP6051082B2 (ja) 汚泥処理システム
KR20150113735A (ko) 고농축 탈수장치
JP3894366B2 (ja) 固液分離装置
JP4585044B1 (ja) 固液分離装置
KR20060128488A (ko) 슬러지의 농축 및 탈수장치
CN106379978B (zh) 一种移动式藻水连续絮凝分离处理装置
JP5481654B2 (ja) 汚泥の処理方法及びその処理システム
JP5767087B2 (ja) 脱水装置
CN104144887B (zh) 污泥浓缩机
CN209957632U (zh) 一种带式污泥脱水机
JP2009090240A (ja) 汚泥の処理方法及びその処理システム
JP2017176903A (ja) 下水汚泥処理システム
JP2005118662A (ja) 固液分離装置
CN213537687U (zh) 一种转鼓浓缩脱水一体装置及处理系统
JP2016182584A (ja) 固液分離装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: METAWATER CO., LTD., JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SUGAWARA, YOSHIYUKI;REEL/FRAME:033637/0630

Effective date: 20140626

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 4